If you’re planning on becoming a United States citizen via a green card, you might wonder if you even need an attorney. No matter how long you’ve lived in the U.S., a Tampa green card attorney can help. They’ll offer you professional foresight into the legal process, make a note of potential roadblocks, and prepare you for what’s to come. A green card attorney in Tampa can help with your immigration process, even if you don’t foresee issues with your naturalization. They’ll ensure everything moves smoothly while helping with complicated paperwork, requirements, and deadlines.

Here are just a few of the ways a Tampa green card attorney can help with naturalization.

Achieving permanent residence or getting a “green card”

The term “green card” is shorthand for the documents that grant lawful permanent residence in the United States. A green card allows its holder to live and work in the U.S., along with an array of legal benefits. You can also travel outside the country and sponsor relatives to move to the United States.

A green card attorney will identify if your situation has the potential for permanent resident status. Three common ways of acquiring a green card are:

• Through family: Close family, fiances, and spouses who are citizens or have permanent residency may sponsor their family members.
• Employers and investors: your job may sponsor your residence, or if you’re an international investor who meets minimum requirements for investment and job creation.
• Lottery: individuals from specific countries may enter a yearly lottery to win a residency spot.

Qualifying for a green card is the first step towards naturalization and citizenship.

Avoiding pitfalls in the permanent residence application

Before you begin your application for permanent residence, it’s a good idea to speak with a green card attorney in Tampa. Even if your situation seems straightforward, an immigration attorney has experienced insight into the process. They’ll ask questions about your past and identify potential areas that could cause issues during the application process.

Previous immigration violations or crimes committed in the U.S. can have a severe impact on your application for residence. By speaking with a green card attorney early in your immigration process, they can help you choose the best application for your unique situation.

Applying for naturalization once you have permanent residence

Once you get a green card, you must spend a certain number of years living and working in the United States before you can apply for citizenship by naturalization. The process can take a long time and has complicated and strict requirements, so an experienced attorney is essential.

Not only do they know each step of the application well, but they can also prepare you for setbacks and ensure you meet all the requirements, some of which are:

• Lived in the United States for at least five years
• Already have your green card
• Able to read, write, and speak basic English

Then, applicants must take part in an interview with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. When applicants meet all the requirements for the application, they pledge an Oath of Allegiance to the United States and become naturalized citizens.

There are special provisions for green card holders who have lived in the United States for over 20 years, which an immigration attorney can help explain.

Work with a Tampa Green Card attorney who cares about their clients at Tampa Immigration Law Center.

We provide people dealing with immigration issues with honest, trustworthy advice for various situations, from naturalization to deportation. No matter your circumstances, you’re not out of options––our compassionate green card attorneys in Tampa can help. We offer candid advice, experienced guidance, and total transparency in immigration law.

Schedule a call with a Tampa Green Card attorney and learn about your options with naturalization and a wide variety of immigration issues.